Unforgettable 3-Day Tour of Music Legend Homes Begins in Panama City Beach!

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL - The private three-day tour started at 7:30 am from The Todd Herendeen Theatre Panama City Beach, Florida. Traveling on the mini tour were 11 incredible people, Todd was our driver with his beautiful wife Angel in the passenger seat. Linda Brown, Debra Gilley, Connie Noles, Ron Noles, Mugsy Parens, Joyce Goetz, Ron Nelson, Joyce Nelson and myself sat comfortably on cushion seats along each side of the 45 ft. Tour Bus.

First stop was Elvis Presley's Birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi. Elvis Aaron Presley was born Jan 8th, 1935 in the house built by his father.

On the front porch was a swing. When you enter there was a bedroom /living area together. The second room was a kitchen with a table, 3 chairs and a high chair. The original stove and refrigerator were still there. The outhouse and Assembly of God church was nearby. After you toured the house there was a Birthplace Museum and Gift shop.

The Tupelo Hardware Store where Elvis bought his first guitar was our second stop. His parents wanted him to learn electrical and to purchase tools. Elvis spotted the guitars and changed their mind. Just the beginning of greatness!

Our night ended to see the statue of Jerry Lee Lewis in Southhaven, Mississippi where we had dinner and stayed at a very comfortable hotel.

 9 a.m. off to Graceland 3764 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis. I had been a few times throughout the years, one couple had mentioned to tour Elvis house had been on their bucket list for a while, Todd and Angel have been numerous times. It is always breathtaking and as if you feel Elvis presence. Elvis did change things often but this was as it was when he passed. There were chandeliers throughout the house, entry, living room, dinning area and several other places. Elvis purchased the white baby grand piano in 1957 from Jack Marshall Pianos -Organs in Memphis, Tennessee for 818.85. Graceland is 17,552 Sq. ft. and has a total of 23 rooms. The upstairs was off limits to tour, that is Elvis bedroom and personal family space.

Your head is spinning, in a good way with so many expositions and gift shops all displayed around Elvis life. They have one specifically with his cars, his performance suits, and the last one was a 90 display because he would be turning 90 this year. I was surprised they even displayed his Social Security card.

The Meditation Garden, for security purposes was created October 1977 by Vernon Presley. With special permission from the city, he had the gravesites of Elvis and his mother, Gladys moved from Forest Hill Cemetery. Lisa Maria and grandson Ben graves were recently added. There was stained glass in a cement wall that was so beautifully designed.

One of my favorites was the Lisa Marie private jet. I had never seen a bed in an airplane. Of course it had a seat belt with a pure gold buckle. Not sure I would feel safe even with that.

 Off to Sun Records where Elvis recorded his first records. 1954 began his commercial single, "That’s All Right". We had a tour guide that was very informative. Afterwards you could sit at the piano and even hold the microphone Elvis held. The million-dollar Quartet picture with Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash was hanging behind the piano.
The evening ended with a book signing and stories from Elvis private nurse and friend Letetia "Tish" Henley Kirk. Some memories she shared were extremely sad and others so funny you laughed til your side hurt.

Tish also had replica jewelry from Elvis jeweler for purchase. The group expressed this was their favorite part of the trip. It was a very special couple of hours since we had just experienced all the Elvis memorabilia.

Day three we left hotel around 9 a.m. headed to The Lewis Ranch Experience Nesbitt, Mississippi is only 15 minutes from Graceland. Todd and Angel Herendeen bought the late Jerry Lee Lewis house in June 2024 and opened it for tours October 2024. Jerry resided in this home for over 40 years. Displayed were several remarkable awards, 10 gold records, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 1986 and Country Music. The living room retained the TV which was purchased with his first contract from Sun Record's. The master bedroom was quite interesting with bullet holes throughout. No, it wasn't a gangster, no one else but Jerry himself being careless. The keyboard trim was yellowing because of his pipe smoking. He collected pipes and clocks. Red was his favorite color. The bathroom walls were red and a red kitchen sink. The kitchen had Coca-Cola wallpaper. There were several fan art pieces displayed throughout the house. The gold piano and the pool shaped like a piano were 2 of my favorites. Todd and Angel just added an event center. You can have your name as a lifetime member with several benefits displayed on a gold plaque. Contact: www.thelewisranchexperience.comLast stop was Tammy Wynette's Legacy Center Tremont, Mississippi.

The museum is a walk-through time that shows her life from a child to a country music legend. Her clothing pieces showed how tiny her frame was, and they were absolutely stunning! Tammy was named 1st Lady of Country Music and is a legend.

I would say this was a chance of a lifetime! Traveling with such amazing people and meeting new friends. Thoroughly enjoyed the places and learning more about legends will forever be in my totally awesome memories.

To inquire about the next tour www.toddherendeentheatre.com.